Search Dictionary
Definition of samuel

samuel

/ˈsæm.juː.əl/
Sam · u · el
Plural:Samuels
JUMP TO:

samuel Lexical Profile

• noun

1

(capitalized) A common male given name of Hebrew origin, often shortened to Sam or Sammy.

Example

"They decided to name their newborn son Samuel in honor of his great-grandfather."

2

(capitalized) A prominent Hebrew prophet and the last judge of ancient Israel who anointed both Saul and David as the first kings of the united monarchy.

Example

"According to biblical tradition, the prophet Samuel reluctantly anointed Saul after the elders demanded a monarch."

3

(capitalized) Either of two books of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Bible (First and Second Samuel) that chronicle the ministry of the prophet and the reigns of Saul and David.

Example

"The narrative of David and Goliath is famously recorded in the first chapter of First Samuel."

• Nearby Words

sampler
sampling
samson
samuel
samur
samurai
san

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Late Latin and Ancient Greek from the biblical Hebrew name Shemu'el, traditionally interpreted as 'name of God' or 'God has heard'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Samuel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/samuel
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.